What To Expect On Test Day
On your designated testing day, you should plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will need to bring an approved form of identification with you to the pharmacy certification exam site. You will not be permitted to take the examination without proper identification that matches your name as it is written within your PTCB Account, so be diligent in checking your identification when you register.
Most personal items must be kept in a locker and will not be permitted within the testing room. You may not bring a personal calculator as one is built into the examination however, a testing center staff member may be able to provide a physical calculator at your request. Bringing prohibited items into the testing room will result in your dismissal from the testing site and forfeiture of all fees.
Before you begin the examination, you will be asked to read and agree to all National Pharmacy Technician Certification policies, such as the Code of Conduct and Test Center Rules. You will then be presented with an optional tutorial. If you are not familiar with the layout of the PTCB exam, this is your opportunity to become accustomed to how the test navigates and how selecting an answer choice works. However, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the test format prior to taking the exam by taking PTCB practice tests.
Do You Need A Ptcb Exam Prep Course
You have to decide if a PTCB exam prep course is the right option for you, but there are some reasons where it could be a good idea. For example, if you are not great at taking tests, an exam prep course could be a great option. Exam prep courses like the one for the PTCB not only help you review the information, but they also give you test-taking tips and strategies so that you can improve your test-taking abilities. The pharmacy tech certification exam prep course can also be a good idea if you want to have more peace of mind when it comes to your board exam. You have a greater chance of passing your certification if you take a prep course, so this could be a good way to give yourself peace of mind about taking the test.
A pharmacy tech board exam prep course gives you the chance to review the materials with practice exams that mimic the certification test. A prep course will also give you strategies and techniques for passing the test, so it could be a good option for you.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website:
Ptcb Practice Test Mcqs
The more PTCB practice exam questions you practice, the better. Test questions afford students the opportunity to not only learn from their mistakes but also plug any gaps in their knowledge a win-win situation.
Today, that is precisely what we will focus on 5 of the most common PTCB exam questions their style and complete explained answers. The purpose of these questions is not to establish what you know but what you do not know.
It is only through identifying our weaknesses that we can work on those weaknesses to turn them into strengths. There are no advantages to disproportionately spending more time on subjects you prefer. If you know the subject, you know it. Spending more time on that subject only prevents you from spending more time on the subjects you find difficult, or have not yet studied at all perhaps because you think they may be difficult, or perhaps you prematurely believe those subjects to be boring.
If you do find subjects boring or irrelevant, that itself is a problem.
After all, pharmacy technicians are expected to have this knowledge and as an aspiring pharmacy technician it is incumbent upon you to learn this material as it is relevant to your career, even if you do not find it immediately relevant to your study now.
Math is relevant. Laws are relevant. Accuracy is relevant. Pharmacology is relevant.
Its all relevant.
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Ptcb Exam Tips & Advice From A Certified Pharmacy Tech
Sadie Black, a certified and licensed pharmacy technician, passed her PTCB exam on the very first try. Here are her tips on how she did it and how you can follow her lead to ace the test and become a licensed CPhT.
1I learned the test
When I say I learned the test, I mean I knew what categories there were, how long I would have to take it, and the format of the questions. My goal was to walk into the test and not be surprised by anything, I wanted to be prepared. There are 9 categories on the test, which I then used to decide what I needed to study more or less of. I had already been working as a Pharmacy Technician for a while, so I was fairly confident with the Pharmacology section, but I had never compounded so I studied the Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding information as much as I could. I also knew that you had 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete 90 questions, and 10 of them were unscored, so I didnt give myself any more than 60-to-90 seconds per question. By doing it that way, I ended up having time left over, and I was able to flag the questions I had trouble with and go back to them. Pearson Vue, the testing center for PTCB, offers an exam tutorial so you know exactly what the test will look like, and I took full advantage of that. Again, I didnt want there to be any surprises. Also remember, the law portion of the test is for federal law, not your states law.
2I purchased study materials, and even used free ones
3I scheduled my exam in advance
Why Get Ptcb Certification

Getting PTCB certification is necessary if you want to work as a pharmacy technician. Certification ensures that you have the knowledge and skillset to succeed and keep patients safe. In a field like pharmacology, in which people are trusting you with important medications, this is crucial. It’s also mandated. You must have certification in order to legally do your job in many states.
You don’t need to stress about taking your mandated test, though. Exam Edge has the PTCB practice tests you need to pass your certification exam and score high.
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What You Need To Know About The Ptcb Exam
All information and our test prep has been revised to reflect 2020 PTCB revisions.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board® uses this test, which is actually called the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam , as one of the four requirements for certification as a pharmacy technician. The test was designed as a result of a job analysis study conducted by the PTCB that determined the knowledge and skills needed to work as a pharmacy technician. It is also revised periodically based on input from pharmacy professionals. One such revision culminated and went into effect on January 1, 2020. Eligibility for the exam was also amended at that time. For information on this, please see the section on Eligibility below.
The 2020 edition of the PTCB Exam poses 90 questions about four knowledge domains in the area of pharmacy. Below is a list of these domains and the approximate percentage of questions on the actual test that deal with each. You will notice that we have a corresponding section of and , as well as a on each of these sections to help you prepare.
How To Study For The Ptcb Exam
According to the PTCB survey, three-quarters of Americans would seek professional help from a certified pharmacy technician. A pharmacy technicians job comes with various responsibilities to ensure the physical safety of handling potential patients.
One of these mandatory requirements to become certified is to take the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board Exam . The PTCB Exam examines and tests your knowledge of pharmacy and medical-related topics. Though, this exam is no easy feat and can be challenging.
If youre interested in taking the PTCB Exam, here we will review our top 7 tips in studying for this assessment.
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Mcq 3 Food And Drug Interactions
Patients taking statins are counselled to avoid foods or drink that contain which of these?
Food and drug interactions are commonly asked MCQs on the PTCB exam.
Again, pharmacy technicians are not expected to know all food and drug interactions not least because there are many thousands upon thousands. However, technicians are expected to know the most common examples and why these foods and drinks interact with drugs in the way that they do.
In this PTCB practice test question, we have asked about one of the most common drug interactions statins with grapefruit juice. Many drugs rely on liver enzymes to break down and metabolize drugs, meaning this waste can be safely eliminated from the body. However, some foods, such as grapefruit juice, prevent these enzymes from breaking down certain drugs including statins. Because statins are not broken down, their level can rise to toxic levels in the body increasing the risk of serious side effects such as muscle breakdown and rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure.
Though grapefruit juice is the correct answer, the other three answers are highly relevant when it comes to drug and food interactions.
For example:
PTCB practice test questions routinely ask about these common drug and food interactions, so it is worth your time committing these interactions to memory.
Top 5 Ptcb Exam Study Guides For 2022
Newly updated for 2022-2023 is Ascencias PTCB exam study guide. This guide provides all that you need to pass the PTCB exam including:
- A summary of the concepts covered on the PTCB
- Online flashcards, cheat sheets, and other resources are available
- Experienced pharmacy technicians share their tips and tricks
The prep book adheres to the official PTCE framework. Among the topics covered are:
- Administration and Management of the Pharmacy
To get you ready to pass the test, the guide also includes a comprehensive practice test with detailed answer explanations.
All excellent tools for giving you an advantage on the exam!
- A quick overview
- Strategies for test-taking tips to overcome the exam
- Test introduction understand what exactly is on the exam
- Medications include pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, therapeutic equivalence & proper storage of medications
- Federal Requirements of prescriptions
- Safety and quality assurance for patients
- Entry and processing of orders
Also included are practice questions along with detailed answers to the questions.
This great exam guide gets straight to the point giving you everything needed to pass the exam on the first try and is updated with the latest test outline.
Some of the important topics include:
- Medication fill process and order entry
- Inventory management
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Official Ptcb Practice Exam
Practice makes perfectand what better practice exam is out there than the one created by the PTCB itself? The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers a practice exam that mirrors the actual exam in both content and format. So when you sit down for the real exam, youll be better prepared for the type of questioning and exam format. Just like the official exam, the practice version contains 90 questions, allowing you to pace yourself against the clock at home.
Can You Retake The Ptcb Exam
Yes, the good news is that you can retake the PTCB exam! While a retake shouldnt be your goal, it is reassuring to know that if you fail it the first time, you get another chance. You have to wait 60 days before a second attempt and 60 days before a third attempt.
If youve failed three times and have to take the PTCB exam a fourth time, you must wait an additional six months.
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Mcq 4 Federal Legislation
Which of these DEA forms must be used by pharmacies when ordering Schedule II controlled substances?
Controlled substances are among the most common PTCB exam questions tested.
Controlled substances have abuse potential, and so the amount dispensed and their availability to the public must be tightly controlled. There are five schedules of controlled substances. Schedule I drugs have the highest abuse potential, whereas Schedule V drugs have the lowest abuse potential.
Students should know all relevant DEA Forms. The DEA or Drug Enforcement Administration is the agency responsible for combating controlled substance use and distribution.
In this question, DEA Form 222 must be used by pharmacies when ordering Schedule II controlled drugs. In terms of the remaining three answers, pharmacy technicians should also know their function:
- DEA Form 41 used when recording controlled drugs that are destroyed.
- DEA Form 106 used when a controlled substance is lost or stolen.
- DEA Form 224 used when a pharmacy seeks to register as a licensed dispenser of controlled drugs.
Federal legislation comprises 12.5% of PTCB exam questions.
Take your time to learn the necessary DEA forms and legislation that pharmacy technicians are expected to know.
Functions Of The Ptcb

The PTCB is most well known for their role in developing and administering the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam . Passing this exam allows the pharmacy technician to carry the status of Certified Pharmacy Technician . This status signals to pharmacy employers that the technician is knowledgeable and competent in their field.
Take a look at our list of the 5 Best PTCB Exam Study Guides
The PTCB also develops training programs for pharmacy technicians. These training programs are implemented by many pharmacies to prepare technicians for passing the PTCE. Some national pharmacies that participate in PTCB training programs include Walgreens, CVS, Eckerds, and Rite Aid.
Another function of the PTCB is to work with state boards of pharmacy to develop and uniform standards for pharmacy technicians. This means working to get standardized training programs and certification or licensing requirements in place. They also lobby congress in an effort to pass laws regarding the standardization of national pharmacy technician requirements. Their purpose is protecting public health by ensuring that pharmacy technicians are well trained and competent for working in a public health setting.
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How Do I Become Certified As A Cpht
For complete information on the steps to become certified with PTCB, please visit the Certified Pharmacy Technician page.
To become certified with PTCB as a CPhT:
To earn CPhT Certification, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
Registering For The Exam
Pearson VUE is responsible for administering the Pharmacy Technician exam. To schedule an exam appointment, candidates can go towww.pearsonvue.com/ptcbor call 1-866-902-0593.
Pearson VUE operates over 250 test centers nationwide. Additionally, Pearson VUE allows military personnel and qualifying dependents to take the exam at approved military sites.
The current fee for the PTCB exam is $129. Candidates may change their exam appointment up to one business day before their appointment. Exam fees will be forfeited if a candidate does not show up for their exam appointment.
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Free Ptcb Practice Tests
Use our free PTCB Practice Tests to study for your upcoming Pharmacy Technician exam.
The PTCB exam is used to ensure candidates have the proper knowledge to become a pharmacy technician. The exam is challenging and includes 90 total questions – 80 scored questions and 10 unscored questions.
Our PTCB sample exams include actual questions and answers and will get you ready. Our exams require no registration and include instant scoring and complete answer explanations.
Summary: Use our free pharmacy tech practice tests to test your knowledge.
Ptcb’s Cpht Certification Program
If you are looking for a rewarding career with a high rate of pay and growth potential, you should give serious consideration to becoming a certified pharmacy technician. This healthcare career provides job stability, gives you the opportunity to help those in need and proves quite rewarding in a number of other ways.
However, you are likely wondering, how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?, what it will cost and what other steps are necessary. For one, you must obtain PTCB CPhT certification in order to work as a pharmacy technician. Lets take a look at everything you need to know about PTCB CPhT certification in order to become a pharmacy technician.
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Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board , in conjunction with PearsonVue, developed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam to assess whether individuals have the knowledge necessary to work as pharmacy technicians.
Passing the PTCB exam allows pharmacy techs to use the CPhT designation. In order to continue using the CPhT designation, however, pharmacy tech’s must successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
The PTCB exam is a multiple choice exam that has 80 scored questions and 10 unscored questions. The exam is taken on a computer and administered by Pearson Vue. Candidates are given 1 hour and 50 minutes to answer the exam questions.